Doug Patterson

Doug has been involved with STEP for over 22 years and brings a strong blend of people-focused leadership, governance experience, and creative skill to the organisation. He is Vice Chair of the STEP Charity board, Chair of STEP’s trading company (SBEL), and the charity’s lead HR Trustee.

Doug is now retired from union work, having spent more than 27 years as a union representative and officer across sectors including finance, local government, manufacturing, and metals. During his career he supported members through individual and collective grievances, led collective bargaining negotiations, and built extensive knowledge of HR and employment relations. He continues to contribute his expertise through ongoing involvement in mediation services.

Outside of his governance and mediation work, Doug is a keen photographer with a particular focus on people photography. After first taking up photography in his teens, he returned to the craft around nine years ago and has since taken on a range of shoots, including work with Project Resurgence, as well as commissions such as business headshots and dance-themed portraits.